The phrase “spread like wildfire” has become less of an analogy and more of a reality all over the US, especially in the Southwest, the Rockies and the Northwest. What’s sweeping the area isn’t just fire, it’s a reminder of Mother Nature’s true force. That’s why we’ve gathered some simple tips to help protect your memory-filled home.
Remove any shrubs planted under your trees, prune all branches that overhang your roof, cut down thin trees, and remove all dead vegetation from your property. If you can, move trailers, RVs and storage sheds from the property. If you can’t, build a defensible space around them. For an added layer of protection, place about five feet of noncombustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete adjacent to your home’s foundation.
Maintain a 6-inch ground-to-siding clearance, and consider noncombustible siding such as concrete or brick, when it’s time to replace or upgrade.
Regularly remove debris from your roof, since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers.
Class-A fire rated roofing products offer the best protection for homes. Common Class-A roof coverings include: clay tiles, slate, asphalt glass fiber composition shingles, and concrete tiles.
Keep debris out of gutters since debris can be ignited by wind-blown embers
Burning fencing can generate embers and cause direct flame contact to your home. Use noncombustible fencing such as metal, stone, and concrete.
Use 1/8-inch mesh to cover vents, and box-in open eaves to create a soffited eave.
Use multi-pane, tempered glass windows, and close them when a wildfire threatens.
At a minimum, use deck boards that comply with California requirements for new construction in wildfire-prone areas. Remove combustibles under your deck and maintain effective defensible space around the deck’s perimeter.
Wildfires are complex, but that doesn’t mean defense preparation should be, too. At COUNTRY Financial, we take pride in making the complex a little simpler…even when we’re up against Mother Nature. Did we miss any other valuable tips? Comment below.
Details in this blog have been captured from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
